I enjoyed a meal here recently with my family. The food was good and the service, although a little slow, was professional and friendly.
However, while I was waiting for my meal to arrive I decided to get up from my table and carry my…10 month old daughter to the entrance to get some fresh air. She had been well-behaved, not crying or causing a nuisance. While standing near the entrance for a few seconds, I said hello to the bar staff behind the bar. But was immediately told to leave, as minors were not allowed in the bar area. I hadn’t taken a seat at the bar and hadn’t ordered a drink (neither had my 10 month old daughter). I was simply standing near the bar and trying to engage in some friendly conversation, whilst holding my baby daughter. There were no patrons at the bar during that time, so I wasn’t in the way or causing a nuisance to anyone.
I appreciate it’s maybe not appropriate to bring a child to a bar. But (although I’m no legal expert), I’m pretty sure as long as they’re with a parent or adult guardian, it’s allowed under NSW state law. Especially if that bar is part of a restaurant where food is being served.
The establishment has a children’s menu, so on one hand it’s attempting to be family-friendly, yet on the other hand some areas are strictly out of bounds to children. Which is bemusing given the fact you have to physically walk through the bar area, to access the restaurant.
I didn’t let it spoil my evening however – I simply laughed it off. But just be aware if you want to take your children to dine here, it may require a quick dash from the front entrance to the dining area while the bar staff backs are turned. Certainly avoid stopping for a few seconds to say hello.More